Development of a gas-sand separator with adjustable design parameters to prevent the negative impact of mechanical impurities on borehole pumping equipment

A significant proportion of Azerbaijan's oil fields consist of low gradient fractured rock and are in a late stage of development. The development of such fields is characterised by low production rates, intensive sanding and high water cut. The majority of wells (more than 70%) are operated mainly by the deep pumping method. Electric centrifugal submersible and borehole pumps are the most common. Various types of impact on the bottom hole zone of the reservoir to stimulate oil production result in increased removal of mechanical contaminants. Sand particles and mechanical impurities in the produced products destroy the working parts of the deep well rod pumps, resulting in frequent and premature failure. Finely dispersed gas in the well fluid also has a negative effect on pump performance. An effective method of combating the harmful effects of mechanical impurities and gas on pump operation is the use of gas sand separators. In order to prevent the negative effects of gas and mechanical impurities on the operation of the rod deep well pump, a gas-sand separator with adjustable design parameters has been developed. The developed gas-sand separator can be used in any sand well, as the distance between the spring strings is adjusted according to the size of sand particles and mechanical impurities in the well product. The developed gas-sand separator has successfully passed field testing. The implementation took place at OGPA Apsheronneft (well No. 952). As a result, the well's overhaul period was increased to the range of 2-2.5. Keywords: well; oil; sand; gas; mechanical impurities; sucker rod pump; plunger; cylinder; performance; separator; spring; screw; well products.